Wilson’s disease; What Does High Copper Levels in Blood Mean?

Treatment of Wilson disease patient

Doctors depend on two principles to manage Wilson’s disease:

1. Removing copper from organs of the body by chelating agents
2. Preventing absorption of copper from the intestine

So, let’s see the medicines that can treat Wilson disease:

Chelating agents

Penicillamine (Depen) and Trientine.

These medications remove the deposited copper from your organs. They have side effects, such as rash, fever, and kidney dysfunction. Your doctor will increase the dose gradually till the copper level becomes within the healthy range. Then you will take life-long low doses to prevent the accumulation of extra copper again.

Zinc acetate

It prevents the absorption of copper from the intestine. So, you can take to maintain a healthy copper level.

Doctors may use physical therapy and psychotherapy in patients with neurological symptoms. Medicines take a long time to show their effects.

You may need liver transplantation if your liver can’t do its functions anymore.

Diet considerations for patients with Wilson’s disease

Your doctor will ask you to avoid some foods that contain a high amount of copper, like chocolate, nuts, mushrooms, liver, and shellfish.

When you end your treatment, ask your doctor to tell you about safe food.

Also, avoid drink water from copper pipes, or you should use a water filter.

You shouldn’t use any vitamins, complementary or any medicines before talking to your doctor opinion.

Management of Wilson’s disease in pregnancy and breastfeeding

The doctor should lower the dose of chelating agents because the fetus needs a small amount of copper. Zinc isn’t harmful in pregnancy; thus, you can take the dose of non-pregnant women.

Breastfeeding women with Wilson’s disease shouldn’t take penicillamine because it is harmful to the baby.